BOOK REVIEW: THE HATE U GIVE BY ANGIE THOMAS

[@michaelt8161]

Coming from a black person this book is so relatable from Starrs family and their language and dialogue to the police brutality and defiantly friendships. This bool hit the nail right on the head when it came to every subject. And its always funny how non black people think its their place to tell black people about how racism isnt a problem for the black community. How do you know you aren't black or a person of color.

[@bookishsophia]

i'm so glad you found something so resonating in this book. that's the importance of literature!! and absolutely. there are many people who are willing to strip POC of their voices or of their experiences, but luckily, there are also many people who are listening/spotlighting those voices!

[@ultimatekunochi6577]

This book is good but I have one problem with it. Spoiler: There are several scenes in the book where the characters act demeaning towards white people, even Starr towards her own boyfriend Chris. She says that she wants to break up with him and that they're not supposed to be together because of their skin color. When they're driving in the riots, Seven, Starr, and DeVante make fun of Chris for things that white people supposedly do. Earlier, Starr and her asian friend gets angry at their friend Hailey for saying racist things about them, and rightfully so! It seems hypocritical to have these 2 scenes in the book. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it, but it kind of dulled the experience for me.

[@pikachu5353]

The book does mention black on black crimes. The whole Kings gangs were about b on b crimes. How did you miss that?

[@yikesgina]

I'm thankful I got to read this book.

[@420squirt]

Mind you i'm ten, I stood up till 5.00 A.M finishing this book, I liked the way Angie made each character stand out in their own unique way that really sparked my attention, whether if they a shitty character , or a good supportive character. Overall she is a true wonderful, inspirational author, and I can't wait to read her next book!

[@bethanyblueberry]

I read this about a month ago, and agree with so many of your points here. It's such a good book, and definitely one that needed to be published. Also, why am I not surprised that there's racists in the comments?

[@ayya5107]

disagreeing with this book and racism are two completely separate things. if you don't understand that then i feel sorry for you.

[@bookishsophia]

sighhhh. i guess that's the curse of reviewing something that's so intrinsically political. i'm glad you enjoyed the book!!

[@librarytears]

I listened to this book on audiobook so I didn't notice the whole pacing thing because the audiobook was just so good! But I really did love this book and found it so impacting. Great review.

[@bookishsophia]

yay i'm so glad you found it impactful! also, i always forget audiobooks exist because i never listen to them lol

[@persephonekatmanivong2271]

I wanna read along with the audio but i already started

[@booksaremysociallife]

I loved this book and gave it 5 stars, but the only critique I had of it was that exact same thing! The messages were a bit explicit and in your face. I did kind of brush it off by saying that maybe Thomas did so because of the fact that younger readers may need that explicit message, though. But I'm so glad someone feels the same way about it as well! This was a wonderful review! :)

[@bookishsophia]

i can understand that, too. i feel like if this is the first book a reader is reading on such a topic, the explicit writing is good for better comprehension of the issues!

[@LuxuriousBlu]

Hi, here are some book recommendations that are similar to The Hate U Give: All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles Anger Is A Gift by Mark Oshiro Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed Calling My Name by Liara Tamani

[@sandyreadsalot]

I really loved this book, the different themes, and the family dynamic in it. You do a fantastic job at talking about your thoughts! I really enjoyed watching this review.

[@bookishsophia]

thank you, sandy!! the themes were great and i really appreciated the presence of family in the novel, too.

[@TheBriaalex]

It's funny how we all perceive things different because I loved the writing style. 😂 I liked how it felt real and in time. I cried several times while reading. I absolutely cannot wait for the movie!

[@nmoney6655]

Hailey’s perspective was maybe if Khalil wasn’t a drug dealer he might’ve lived and Her uncle Carlos thought that maybe the cop didn’t have any other choice but her dad is my favorite character in this entire book because he encouraged Starr to fight for her friend

[@Porkasss92]

Can you please become my english teacher ?

[@charlieann7100]

This novel was extremely relatable. Every piece of dialogue, every inner thought process of the main character, friendship dynamics similar to mine. At this moment in my life, I'm preparing to go to a school exactly like the one Starr describes. I'm a female and a member of the african-american race and honestly this book left me tearing up at parts I wouldn't usually respond so strongly to. My soon-to-be teacher recommended this novel to me. I didn't realize how realistic it was going. I felt a bit uncomfortable that my caucasian teacher was reading it as well.

[@tianyan3542]

I really liked this book but it did feel long to read at times

[@bookishsophia]

i feel that

[@sunflower2187]

I agree so much with everything you said, what an important book this is. That insult being masked as a joke thing was so relateable and frustrating ughh. Great review 💕💕💕

[@sunflower2187]

Yikes some of these comments make me so sad for the world wtf is wrong with people

[@Caraphatash]

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely also deals with police brutality. It specifically has a character who's dealt with it and a white character who has to learn the reality of it.

[@bookishsophia]

oooh, that sounds interesting. i'll have to check it out. thanks for letting me know!!

[@jejs_5812]

MyPHAT Life let me guess if the “boys” in that book were black, you’d eat it right up so you could go throw yourself another pity party. I guess you don’t like the fact that not all white people have it easy and get to pull the victim card too

[@halaabohaimed7047]

First of all, I'd like to say that your book review on THUG was by far my favorite review that I have read/watched, and I also really enjoyed listening to your compliments and critiques on the book, I thought they were spot on. However at some point during the video, I wasn't sure of what you think of the video I felt a little perplexed. Anyway, regarding what you said I agree with predominantly everything especially when you mentioned that the author Angie Thomas didn't allow the audience to explore the book themselves, and can it visualize the situation themselves without it being given to them because she LITERALLY told the audience everything. I also agree when you mentioned Sarr's uncle being a cop and how that had a huge effect on the story because it added a twist to it and a new perspective on the story. I also agree when you said that the pace of the book is inconsistent and how she focused on events that don't seem to be necessary (in my opinion) and was slacking off in other events that are more important. Overall though I think the book has a very strong message as you have mentioned it really gave me a clear idea of why the black live matter movement was formed in the first place. What I liked about the book beside the message it conveyed I think its authenticity for some reason I felt it was true and real, her emotions weren't fabricated or untrue I felt everything was coming from the heart, so that gives the book a lot of praise. Anyway, I think your video was very enjoyable and please keep posting more book reviews because they are fascinating to watch!!!

[@A.DeRial]

I freaking appreciate this review of yours! It's so well-done and your points regarding the significant stuff that happened are greatly explained. I love your book reviews!!

[@h_d-y2c]

Just wanted to remind everyone this is Angie Thomas's debut novel, just a reminder

[@laydeelee86]

It's going to be a movie

[@TGR_Rei_TF1K]

Omg u predicted it

[@TheStartupLife]

I loved this review! 🙌🏾🙌🏾 You were spot on about what made this story really great, and your critique was also spot on in regards to the writing style....I was reading through the comments below and someone mentioned how in the audiobook the pacing wasn't affected and it got me to thinking that certain styles of storytelling may lend themselves better to audio...Hopefully more writers become cognizant of this, and invest in producing their audio content.

[@keegster96]

I just heard about a book called Dear Martin by Nic Stone. It was mentioned in a couple BEA vlogs, so I'm not sure when it comes out. It sounds similar, except I don't think anyone gets killed. I'm excited to read it!

[@eloise4230]

I love this book as well! It has so much of important message and how we should take action against injustice. I also love the fact that it focuses more on family love rather romance kind of element. I personally liked the writing style because it was giving some kind of laughter when i was reading although it included pretty sensitive and heavy message. Nice review though!

[@KETrust]

there's a book i read similar to this called bright lights dark nights, it's more about an interracial relationship but the main character (a white boy) has a dad who's a cop and it really delves into the topics like these except it's much harder to really know who's right and wrong in it. i really liked it a lot and it also had really pretty illustrations of cityscapes and stuff like that. i recommend it :)

[@bookishsophia]

that sounds so fascinating!! and it has illustrations?? i'm gonna have to look it up. thanks for the recommendation!

[@nmoney6655]

See I was 16 when this book came out and I already seen one riot in my city the one being the one in Baltimore in 2015 and I remember being mostly confused because I didn’t understand what made them so mad and then I understood why it was such a big deal

[@dreyadakid3840]

The book was great I read it in 5 days one of my favorite characters was DeVante he was really well thought out in my opinion

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

I love this book so much, so important

[@bookishsophia]

i'm so glad to hear it!!

[@melissahall4248]

It's so cool how similarly we viewed this book. I went into my review with the same concerns like "Do i want to criticize it??" Im so blunt I feel like people can take my critiques as if Im bashing the book. Ended up doing the review anyway lol. Same with the explicit writing being a problem, I did the same thing to the "as foreign as a Spanish word i havent learned yet" part, immediately tabbed it like "whhatttt"

[@h_d-y2c]

I also suggest Dear Martin, it is also about police brutality but the downside is that the book is short inconsistent, timeline is okay, but otherwise, a great story loved the storyline but the book itself could have been worked on

[@LovingJourdan]

I agree so much with what you said! Like long books shouldn't feel long. This definitely felt long to me. I do think that the significance outweighed the actual writing at points. I too though wondered what a story like this would come out like in the hands of a different writer.

[@avocadoetarts]

just bought my own book ♡ excited to read it ♡

[@malikkamagate4861]

When you talked about how ppl like to call you ling ling I low-key gasped

[@DorvellTStewart]

I absolutely love this book. I have the audio version, and Bahni Turpin is a fabulous narrator! I’m curious. You said it probably would have been better for Thomas to use the show, don’t tell method when writing this book. How do you think that would have told this story better?

[@amiratrippfolsom3803]

You should read How it Went Down by Kekla Magoon it is a similar plot except the black teen is killed by a white man, not a cop. It’s similar to the Trayvon Martin murder and it’s from the perspectives of many different characters who all witnessed it or who knew him. It was a very good book.

[@maigivens1822]

Enjoyed your review! I suggest "All American Boys" By Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. Came out in 2015, I think. It's a similar story from a slightly different angle. Really good from what I remember.

[@KatKomodo]

I really strongly disliked this book. I think this book is so important, and I wanted to like it so I could point to it and use it as a resource to educate myself and others. It’s poorly written, as you say, that beats you over the head with Starr focusing on racism every single line. Her character is so passive for a long time and the plot just happens to her and then she explains that she’s sad. I am so disappointed!

[@zomgcaitlin]

I agreed with your review 100%!! Pros and cons

[@gunnerchi7238]

I haven't read this one, but I think it's called All American Boy(s) by Jason Reynolds and I think it deals with something similar. He also wrote a book for Spider-Man (Miles Morales) too.

[@beetrf]

always love your reviews!

[@bookishsophia]

thank you so much!! you're always so supportive!!

[@juliali527]

love you sofia! this is a really good review♥ also, what college do you go to?

[@bookishsophia]

thank you!! and i go to vanderbilt university!

[@juliali527]

omg my sister is going to vanderbilt university this fall! maybe you guys will see each other haha

[@LochanReads]

I've heard such praise about this book and the movie. I really have to read it so I can see what all the hype is about :)

[@katywhaley747]

doing this book as my summer project for pre-ap english class 😀

[@lee-3261]

i love this !! but can you site what chapters you took the quotes from? im trying to find it but im having trouble..

[@jassyjubilee3248]

Hi, I just wanted to say that your review was very very thorough and thought out! I really enjoyed watching it because you covered a lot of important and thought-provoking topics. All and all, I really liked the book when I read it! I totally agree about the writing pace and also the writing style. I was really wondering how I was having such a hard time getting through it. I think it was also bcuz of the emotional density of the book, too. I HAD to take my time reading it. Have you seen the movie yet? If so, how did you like it compared to the book? I haven’t seen it yet. Do you think more people should have conversations like the ones in Angie Thomas’ book? And maybe more books should be written in the perspective of Asian, Mexican, Black, and many other minority races about prejudice and stereotypes bcuz it would create more awareness and compassion. I personally like books in the genre of realistic fiction and my own writing tends to swing that way along with memoir. Anyway, really enjoyed your review, keep making them!

[@guilhermegoesgoes5403]

I love your channel! You're the kind of person that i would like to live daily. Cheers from Brazil.

[@bookishsophia]

thank you so much!! so sweet! 💕

[@s.f.6860]

Viva Brazil!

[@BookHQ]

*Thanks for this, I really want to read it now.*

[@fictionfatale3913]

I did really enjoy the book, and I was sooo eye opening to the raw struggles that the black community go through every day, however I did think it really scapegoated white people. All of the black characters were really deep and complex with amazing personalities and viewpoints, however Hallie who was one of the two main white characters was portrayed as a huge whiny brat. I’m not sure whether it was just because i listened to the audiobook and the reader put on a really awful voice for her, but it did make me, as a white woman, feel kinda ostracised and uncomfortable. Another was when the family kept talking negatively about white people in the home - yeah I guess that’s what people do say behind closed doors however if a white family were to say similar things about black people in a book it would be slated for racism. Furthermore, when they were all being racist towards Chris, then he asks if he could ask something about black people and they all go reluctant and sensitive. I understand that it’s within the context of the book but like when they use the N***** word in rap songs, it made me feel like I shouldn’t have been reading it and it was for a black audience. I would have given it a 5* but I gave it a 4* for that reason alone.

[@AutomaticWeakness]

emily steele There is nothing wrong with you being a white woman but you based alot of your critique on this book based on how it made you feel as a white woman. Not saying you aren’t really deep and complex and I’m not saying you don’t have an amazing personality and viewpoint, however, right now, you come off as a huge whiny brat. Doesn’t mean that you are, because I don’t know you from a can of paint. But as a black woman, these are things that are generally more evident to me. There are certain aspects you’d never be able to perceive because of racial differences and that’s okay, too. The problem...excuse me, a large part of the issue or where the miscommunication begins is us, as black people, having to constantly “prove” our perspectives on issues that are prevalent in our everyday lives to people who simply refuse to acknowledge the validity of our issues simply because it isn’t an issue conceivable to their own everyday lives. Peace & Blessings

[@mimi-hp6yh]

this book made me extremly uncomfortable on the second chapter and had me crouching down in my chair and looking to make sure nobody was spying on me and planning to kill me

[@jakmere]

I haven't read the book yet, but my initial reaction was negative precisely because my initial thoughts, based on the movie trailer (where we see a kid get shot when he tries brush his hair during an encounter with police), was its likely to be exploitative of the current environment. I expect the way the author will handle the subject matter will largely ignore the contradictions inherent in the BLM movement. These contradictions are not just pointed out by everyday people; esteemed, credible black ivy league professors have pointed them out too. I, as a black person, feel like the truth about race and justice is cannot be questioned; it is a problem. But i felt like this authorwould be just another person who takes an over simpIified approach to the subject matter; an approached characterized by its limited scope or its focus on specific injustices committed against black people specifically by white people, but they believe they're approach to the subject cant be questioned for its merits or intellectual integrity. So when heard the girl in the video begin to offer her criticism and state that she doesnt want people to be offended by her critique , that points to one of my central problems with works like this - often times people react negatively to anything that sounds like dissent whenever someone points out injustices against black people. People like Angie Thomas, to me at least, seem to just be appealing to people's emotions and frustrations , but they seem to be incapable of going further than that, but they take refuse in the fact that a would-be criticizer might be detered from expressing doubt how the subject is handled in a book like this. I will read the book and hope it offers some new ways of thinking about the subject (I highly doubt the movie will have anything new to say) , but I have low expectations.

[@benlevin478]

6.26 ugh, I totally get the feeling. I felt so sure that Brionna Taylor's murderers would be convicted, and when they weren't I lost my mind :( Hopefully what is realistic now won't be by the time the 2030s are here, hopefully earlier.

[@tanialatorre2438]

2019, On The Come Up

[@missfabularian2449]

I just want to recommend The Truth or Right Now by Kara Lee Corthron. Definitely more telling than showing. A twist on police brutality, but it's about so much more.

[@autumnwriter0449]

This movie and book is going to a top seller in the movie theaters!!!

[@siyasinghaniya7726]

What should be the age range to read this book.....can 12-13 year old can read it??

[@angelapalmer7558]

Yah

[@miaya.micronis]

They’re making a movie!!! Omg I can’t wait!

[@TheMediaQueer]

Love your review.

[@kaiumeda3690]

The novel’s better, the movie’s terrible where they cast a light skinned lead instead of a dark skinned lead which would make more sense but Hollywood won’t have it

[@Bignunu675]

omg shes black regardless like what

[@donnabenson7598]

I would recommend Dear Martin if you have not read it .

[@kacperkaraszkiewicz3860]

Hello, i am deaf, but would relly like to get to know your opinion on the book. Could you therefore add more accurate subtitles. Thank you very much :)

[@blondie.b777]

The Hate U Give is my favourite books of all time!!!!!

[@alexiahandfield495]

I have that book

[@zoephillips4242]

dear martin by nic stone is an amazing black lives matter movement 😍😍

[@faycoleman9023]

I feel like the the writing style though weak is necessary given this story. This story could and hopefully has caused people to evaluate how the treat other races. Sometimes things just need to be blatantly obvious for people to really absorb it. I could be wrong though I don't know.

[@confetti599]

I started reading it yesterday and I am already in Part 2 of the book... the crazy thing is I Don't read books (I just wanted to read it cause the movie is coming out and 'SABRINA CARPENTER' aka my life PLAYS as HAILEY! LOL)

[@destinyp6687]

Children of blood and bone is about police brutality with a more whimsical environment.

[@Sam-3D]

Can you please review The Hate U Give movie?? Now that it’s released.

[@seaweedjen]

dear martin is a YA novel similar to this in terms of discussion of BLM

[@emilyrojo2018]

Did anyone else noticed her light brown next to her ear ?

[@BeautyYourWorld645]

What's your college major/career goals? Sorry this is random, I'm just super curious 😀

[@bookishsophia]

i'm thinking of double majoring in medicine, health, and society & cinema and media arts!

[@mars7935]

All American Boys is another really good book that discuss' blm

[@LaurenB94]

Great review.

[@bookishsophia]

thank you!!

[@limonarda6951]

We red the book in english class 😅

[@withlovekeionna]

Wonderful video and book review!

[@anismothers3368]

No offense but the way she explained the book sounded really rude

[@xndabuzeinah2050]

Can you tell me the Climate points in the story?

[@melacksamson7985]

THEY CALLED U LING LING IMMA NEED A NAME AND ADDRESS I WANNA TALK

[@SodaQuasar]

I wonder if u have watched the movie?.. n what u think of it compared to the book :)

[@watchandlearndee]

Out of All the violent acts during. Blm non has been racists nor a tourist act upon our country. It's hard to claim racist when all races has been harmed. Now this book has nothing to do with that discussion. I'm confused why the truth is ignored by educational info to help all to wake up and work together... there are many that totally don't find these events nothing new,but for those that haven't experienced these events needs help to put them on track so everyone can work on the same page.

[@vanillamochagacha5159]

im on chapter six

[@soggynug6371]

I have an essay on this boook! Righhttt nowwww ughhhh and i dont have time to watch this video

[@tebhernandez]

jesus lord shes cute

[@sunflower2187]

I agree💕💕

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

trailer showed the man not vomoly8ng with an officer. it should have been 4 mi tues long. How the he'll is this stretched to 9ver 2 hours

[@qsmooth7805]

Do a Review on the Tupac book

[@rx8050]

What i just think by reading books like these is why dont they start #alllivesmatter 🙄

[@amouslih7763]

You need help

[@malikkamagate4861]

@@amouslih7763 exactly

[@simoneoliver7379]

In the trailer he gets shot for getting a hairbrush even though he was told to remain still. I haven’t read the book but I don’t feel bad for him tbh. I’m from London so idk what it’s like in America but if an armed officer tells you to remain still - you remain still. Simple. And then no one gets hurt. This happens all the time in America and we’re meant to feel bad but you had one job. Just stand still. I’m sorry I’m black and from London and this just doesn’t happen. In that situation you need to be smart. Instead of arguing, just wait a bit, get your point across and explain. Black lives matter yes, but you can’t act like an idiot and expect sympathy.

[@ordinarygames4565]

In the book he doesn’t reach for a hairbrush I have no clue why it’s in the movie tbh

[@AjaMonae]

Simone Oliver you don’t have to KILL someone over that though. In the book he was shot 3 times after it was already evident that he was injured... do you really need to shoot someone 3 times making sure they’re dead if you don’t know for a fact that they’re a threat or not??? plus on top of that he was a high schooler. You sound so ignorant right now. We’re all human smfh. Read the damn book please before giving your opinion... and more books like this for that matter

[@kaiumeda6341]

The movie was just god awful

[@harryinvesting]

omg first comment xD

[@tyhemejenkins9494]

This book is a very very good book.........so you not liking those certain moments in the book are very vital and important moments....the sentences were very awesome. She is connecting this story to "Black People" not to you so.......fix that problem yourself and read books that are on your level because this is apparently not a good book for you to read so just take this video down. Thank You!!

[@ayya5107]

why is this book getting so much praise ....

[@toaster8005]

It arrived when all the SJWs up and joined BLM. I must say the book is good but the fact that it supports/justifies BLM just angers me a little.

[@gleegleek4eva]

You don't think black lives matter?

[@ayya5107]

Of course we do lmao. However, the Black Lives Matter movement is racist and violent. It's also unnecessary since black people have exactly the same rights as every other race in the US. BLM supporters should try living in a country where racism is actually a major issue. The USA doesn't even make it into the top 25 most racist countries in the world - they're just looking for a reason to play victim without actually looking at the facts. This doesn't mean that racism doesn't exist in the USA, of course it does - but it isn't as big of a deal as people make it out to be and there is also a strong increasing presence of racism against white people also, especially from BLM - there are literally videos of BLM supporters threatening death on white people, don't try to tell me that "reverse racism doesn't exist" that's just pure ignorance.

[@gleegleek4eva]

Sooo because it's "not that big of a deal" people should stop fighting against racism that does exist?

[@ayya5107]

nope, i didn't say that either lmao. but what the black lives matter movement stands for is racist, violent and unnecessary. of course, i will carry on supporting equality for everybody - but, as i said, it's not as big of a deal as everyone makes it out to be. :-)

[@StephsRomanceBookTalk]

I think you need to read the Grip Series (Flow, Grip, & Still) by Kennedy Ryan, if you want to read a balanced book series about police brutality, black & blue issues of today, and interracial relationships. The Hate U Give is a one sided HOT mess!! I also did a video review of this book as well.

[@noeytindol5529]

Great review.